Do you know what DOG ESSENTIALS you are missing out? Find out now!
Zack Keithy, our author, is a certified veterinarian technician (UC Blue Ash) for over 6 years (contact him here). The articles written here are based on his expertise and experience, combined with a review by our expert vet reviewers including Dr M. Tarantino. Learn more about us here.
Do you feel like you don’t really know what’s in your dog’s food? There are plenty of commercial brands that are loaded with useless ingredients and have a lot of things that you would question.
As a result, you would be concerned about your dog’s health and your wallet. The fact is, however, that it doesn’t cost a fortune and it doesn’t have to be a puzzle if you want to feed your dog properly.
Let’s make this cheap homemade dog food recipe, shall we?
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Recipe Overview
- This homemade chicken feet and carrot dog food recipe is super simple.
- It takes about 15 minutes to prep and 2 hours to cook.
- You’ll get about 8 servings for a medium-sized dog.
- It’s packed with natural collagen, essential vitamins, and fiber.
- This recipe is great for joint health, skin, and digestion.
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Ingredients List
- 1 lb (approx. 10-12) raw chicken feet, trimmed: $3.00 (excellent source of collagen and glucosamine)
- 2 cups carrots, peeled and chopped: $1.00 (rich in Vitamin A and fiber)
- 1 cup rolled oats (uncooked): $0.50 (good source of complex carbohydrates and fiber)
- 4 cups water: $0.00
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: $0.10 (provides healthy fats)
- 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder: $0.05 (anti-inflammatory benefits)
- Optional: 1/4 cup green beans, chopped: $0.25 (extra vitamins and fiber)
Total estimated cost: $4.90
Substitutions: You can swap chicken feet for chicken necks or even lean ground turkey. If carrots aren’t a hit, try pumpkin puree or sweet potatoes.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First, trim the chicken feet. Just cut off the nails if they’re still attached.
- Then, put the trimmed chicken feet in a large pot.
- Add the chopped carrots and green beans (if using) to the pot.
- Pour in the 4 cups of water. Make sure everything is mostly covered.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Once it’s boiling, lower the heat to a simmer.
- Cover the pot and let it cook for at least 1.5 to 2 hours.
- The chicken feet should be very soft, and the cartilage should be easy to remove from the bone.
- After cooking, carefully remove the chicken feet from the pot.
- Let them cool enough to handle.
- Remove all bones from the chicken feet. It’s important to make sure no bones are left, as cooked bones can splinter.
- Shred the meat and cartilage from the chicken feet.
- Now, add the rolled oats, olive oil, and turmeric powder to the pot with the carrot mixture.
- Stir everything together well.
- Return the shredded chicken feet meat to the pot.
- Continue to simmer for another 15 minutes, or until the oats are fully cooked and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
- The mixture should be thick and stew-like.
- Let the food cool completely before serving it to your dog.
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Feeding Guidelines
- Small dogs (under 20 lbs): Feed about 1/2 to 1 cup per day. For example, a Chihuahua might get 1/2 cup, while a Corgi could have 1 cup.
- Medium dogs (20-50 lbs): Give 1.5 to 2.5 cups per day. A Beagle might need 1.5 cups, a Border Collie closer to 2.5 cups.
- Large dogs (over 50 lbs): Offer 3 to 4 cups per day. A Labrador could get 3 cups, while a Great Dane might need 4 cups or more.
- Puppies and highly active dogs might need more calories. Talk to your vet to figure out the right amount for them.
- Older dogs or less active dogs may need slightly less. It’s always best to check with your vet for personalized advice.
- If your dog has allergies or specific health conditions, your vet can help adjust portions or ingredients.
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Nutritional Benefits of the Recipe
- Chicken feet are an amazing source of natural collagen. This is super good for joint health, skin elasticity, and a shiny coat.
- They also provide glucosamine and chondroitin. These help support cartilage and joint function, which is especially good for older dogs.
- Carrots are packed with Vitamin A (beta-carotene). This helps with vision, immune function, and skin health.
- Oats are a gentle, complex carbohydrate. They give your dog steady energy and are a good source of soluble fiber, which helps with digestion.
- Olive oil adds healthy monounsaturated fats. These are good for heart health and can help with nutrient absorption.
- Turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties. This can help with various aches and pains, making your dog more comfortable.
- Green beans (if used) add extra fiber and vitamins. They are a low-calorie addition, great for maintaining a healthy weight.
- Overall, this recipe provides a good balance of protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates.
Storage and Serving Tips
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
- You can also freeze individual portions for longer storage. They’ll stay good in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
- When ready to serve from frozen, just thaw it in the fridge overnight.
- You can warm it up slightly in the microwave or on the stovetop. Make sure it’s not too hot before giving it to your dog.
- Serve it at room temperature or slightly warm. Some dogs like it mixed with their regular kibble for extra flavor and nutrients.
Common Questions & Troubleshooting
Can I make a big batch of this food?
Yes, absolutely! This recipe scales up easily. Just double or triple the ingredients to make a larger batch for freezing.
Is it safe for all dogs, including puppies?
This recipe is generally safe for adult dogs. For puppies, pregnant, or nursing dogs, it’s really important to talk to your vet first. They might need different nutrient ratios.
What if my dog doesn’t like chicken feet?
You can use other dog-safe protein sources like chicken necks, gizzards, or even lean ground turkey. Just make sure to adjust cooking times if needed.
Do I need to add a supplement?
While this recipe is nutritious, it’s not a complete and balanced diet on its own long-term. For full nutritional completeness, especially for regular feeding, you should talk to your vet about adding a canine vitamin and mineral supplement. This ensures all essential nutrients are covered.
How can I ensure there are no bones left?
It’s super important to be thorough. After cooking the chicken feet until they are very soft, let them cool. Then, carefully pick through the shredded meat and cartilage by hand. You want to make sure every single bone fragment is removed.
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Need more ideas on what to cook for your dog? Then you must check out my library of homemade dog food recipes today!
Wrapping Up
So, making your own dog food with chicken feet and carrots is a simple, affordable way to boost your dog’s health. It’s packed with joint-supporting collagen and essential nutrients, and you control every ingredient.
Feeling inspired? Pin this recipe to your Homemade Dog Food board for easy access and follow us for more pet-friendly tips!
